CEO video comment

Fourth quarter 2015 summary of unaudited results

Royal Dutch Shell’s fourth quarter 2015 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 2), were $1.8 billion compared with $4.2 billion for the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2015 CCS earnings were $3.8 billion compared with $19.0 billion in 2014.

Compared with the fourth quarter 2014, CCS earnings excluding identified items benefited from continued strong Downstream results reflecting steps taken by the company to improve financial performance. In Upstream, earnings were impacted by the significant decline in oil and gas prices, partly offset by lower costs. Contributions from integrated gas were higher mainly as a result of improved trading performance and the effect of the strengthening of the Australian dollar on deferred tax positions.

Total dividends distributed to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders in the quarter were $3.0 billion, of which $1.2 billion were settled under the Scrip Dividend Programme. No shares were bought back during the fourth quarter.

Gearing at the end of 2015 was 14.0% compared with 12.2% at the end of 2014.

A fourth quarter 2015 dividend has been announced of $0.47 per ordinary share and $0.94 per American Depositary Share (“ADS”).

Royal Dutch Shell is expected to announce a dividend of $0.47 per ordinary share and $0.94 per ADS in respect of the first quarter 2016.).

Fourth quarter 2015 dividend announcement

CEO statement

“The completion of the BG transaction, which we are expecting in a matter of weeks, marks the start of a new chapter in Shell, rejuvenating the company, and improving shareholder returns.

We are making substantial changes in the company, reorganising our Upstream, and reducing costs and capital investment, as we refocus Shell, and respond to lower oil prices. As we have previously indicated, this will include a reduction of some 10,000 staff and direct contractor positions in 2015-16 across both companies.

In 2015, we significantly curtailed spending by reducing the number of new investment decisions and designing lower-cost development solutions. For 2016, we have exited the Bab sour gas project in Abu Dhabi, and are postponing final investment decisions on LNG Canada and Bonga South West in deep water Nigeria. Operating costs and capital investment have been reduced by a total of $12.5 billion as compared to 2014, and we expect further reductions in 2016.

As a result of our actions in 2015, we have retained a strong balance sheet position, with 14% gearing. Shell will take further impactful decisions to manage through the oil price downturn, should conditions warrant that. Shell’s dividends for 2015 were $1.88 per share, and are expected to be at least $1.88 per share in 2016, as previously announced.”

Webcast, presentation slides and transcript

Ben Van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell plc hosted media and analyst audio webcasts of the 2015 fourth quarter and full year results on Thursday February 4, 2016.